On Our Radar: January 26, 2017

CHARITY: Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace have officially merged to become one agency – The SAFE Alliance, or SAFE, stop abuse for everyone. All programs and services previously offered and facilitated by ACS or SafePlace are continuing as programs of SAFE.

CHARITY: Celebrating its 22nd year, the Human Rights Campaign Austin’s annual black-tie Gala is back on Saturday, January 28th, at 7 p.m. at the JW Marriott. Longtime local LGBT rights activist Ceci Bulaong Gratias will receive the 2017 Bettie Naylor Visibility Award at the event. Approximately 700 people expected to attend. A few tickets are still available to the Gala, which sells out every year. Tickets are $300 and can be purchased online at hrcaustin.org.

FASHION: The SXSW pop-up shop experience – SXSW Marketplace – will take place from Thursday, March 16th through Saturday, March 18th inside the Austin Convention Center. Badgeholders as well as the general public will be able explore and shop a curated selection of 40+ retailers that will showcase clothing (streetwear to designer), accessories (jewelry to patches), and more! SXSW Marketplace is free to the public with Guest Pass — registration here. See here for more information and to see the full list of participating retailers.

FOOD:Hai Hospitality announced their newest restaurant from Chef Tyson Cole, Loro – an Asian smokehouse and bar in South Austin. The concept is casual with a full bar serving wine, beer and cocktails. Located on the south of the corner of South Lamar and Oltorf Street at 2115 South Lamar, Loro will present an exciting new dining option for residents and visitors to Austin. Opening Fall 2017.